Gloria Steinem

HBO was in the house late Thursday as Day 3 of the Television Critics summer press tour came to a close. Here’s what we learned:

– Network bosses Michael Lombardo and Richard Plepler are reluctant to extend the seasons for “Game of Thrones” beyond 10 episodes, despite the fact that author George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels, upon which the show is based, are sprawling monstrosities. It woiuld put too much pressure on an already grueling production schedule, they say, and it would mean fans would have to wait for more than a year for fresh episodes. They also insisted it would “dilute” the quality of the series.

– The network has orderd a 10th season of “Real Time With Bill Maher.” It also has upcoming documentaries on two iconic figures — Gloria Steinem (Aug. 15) and Harry Belefonte (Oct. 17).

– An big-screen “Entourage” film is still a real possibility. “We’re going to do a movie,” said creator Doug Ellin. “It’s a question of when and how quick. We’ll sit down and come up with an idea.” Executive producer Mark Wahlberg added that it would happen even “if I had to finance it myself.” Said Wahlberg, “Everybody always says the episodes are too short. (Viewers) want to go on a journey. ‘The Hangover,’ to me, is like ‘Entourage’.”

– “True Blood” creator Alan Ball dismissed rumors that he’s looking to leave the show. “I closed a deal to do another season,” he said. … “I don’t have any desire to leave, because I’m having more fun than I’ve ever had in my life.”

– Emmy-nominated drama, “Boardwalk Empire,” will return for its second season at 9 p.m. Sept. 25. Other HBO premiere dates for the fall: “Hung” (10 p.m., Oct. 2), “How to Make It in America” (10:30 p.m., Oct. 2), “Bored to Death” (9 p.m., Oct. 10) and the new Laura Dern dramedy, “Enlightened” (9:30 p.m., Oct. 10).